Moving Tips
Relocating is a brisk process and requires an increased amount of strategy and planning. Whether making a long-distance or a short-distance move, scheduling the relocation date is the most critical. Most folks move in a season of their convenience. However, constraints like work or other things sometimes require moving in peak season.
But what exactly is the peak season for moving? Well, it is the time of the year when people relocate the most. Studies show that about 80% of Americans prefer to relocate during summer vacations, typically from April to September. [1]
Although the peak season is convenient for most Americans, one must see the big picture before changing latitudes. Here is a quick overview.
Pros Of Moving in Peak Season
Here are a few advantages of moving in peak season:
1. Favorable Weather
Regarding relocation, the weather must be fitting. The ideal moving period is the summer break, as you can focus on the relocation without worrying about missing school.
There are lesser chances of raining and snowing, so you won’t have to worry about delays or late arrivals. But most importantly, the longer daylight hours during the summer give you more time to pack and unpack, making the entire moving process more efficient.
2. Time Is on Your Side
If you have a job, you’ll need a work leave while relocating. And if you work in a firm offering summer off, you are in luck. Jobs related to academics or other such sectors offer a reasonable amount of time you can use during and before the move.
If your employers cannot spare some days off, you can quickly contact friends and family to help you pack while enjoying a summer pool party. Of course, you can also hire professional moving companies to ease the process. But make sure to make a reservation early if you plan on moving in peak season.
Relocating can be difficult for children. So, planning a move in summer break gives you ample time to work it out with them. It also gives them time to adjust to their new place before school begins.
3. More Housing Options
Many homeowners put up their houses for sale, and more rentals are available during summer. Hence, moving in peak season offers large homes for sale as the number of sellers on the market is more in the spring than in autumn [2].
However, getting a decently priced abodbe is easier if you move off-season, as the number of sellers is significantly less. The peak moving season in America extends from April to October, and according to studies, the best time to buy a home is from September to February. So, another way to arrange your relocation is to buy the house in winter and relocate in summer or spring.
4. Decluttering Market and Availability of Private Movers
Decluttering your home before the move saves you a lot of expense and makes a move efficient and eco-friendly. After the winter hibernation, many shoppers are out in the sun to get their hands on good things. So you can easily enjoy the extra income and use the money for other move-related expenses.
Furthermore, many seasonal moving companies also pop up in the summer as some young folks want to make their summers productive.
Such parties are an excellent option for short-distance or nearby moves, as they’ll only speed up your DIY move. But if you are relocating an office or an enormous household, you must be more organized and choose professional movers.
Cons Of Moving in Peak Season
Here are a few disadvantages of moving in peak season:
1. Expensive
One of the significant disadvantages of moving in peak season is the overall move becomes expensive. The demand is significantly high, so the moving companies’ prices increase. Therefore, the ideal way is to select two to three movers and compare quotes to find the best pick.
Another way to steer clear of the hiking prices during the peak season is to schedule your move before the period. Since the peak moving season in America is April to October, planning your move sometime in late February or early March proves beneficial. However, comparing quotes would still be necessary!
2. The Best Movers May Not Be Available
When the demand rises, the supply ultimately falls short. The economic rule applies to moving companies as well. So your favorite moving company may be reserved entirely, and you’ll have to search for another one.
So again, if you want to prevent that, schedule beforehand! Another solution is to relocate in the spring season. It is like a market calm before the peak clamor in the summer season, and it is easier for moving companies to get things done according to your preferences.
3. Summer May Not Be Ideal For Everyone
Although everyone is excited to enjoy the bright sun of June, it may not be feasible for some. If you have elderly family members, they may not find the summer relocation that great. So you’ll need to arrange an air-conditioned transportation for them to have a smooth journey.
Moreover, if you are moving a bakery or a food-related business, you’ll need to hire AC transports to keep the goods fresh. Moving companies also offer storage units that work great for move-specific storage requirements.
Final Verdict
Moving is a hectic process as one has to decide many things, like packing supplies, buying a new home, and hiring a moving company. In addition to that, you also have to pick a suitable time to initiate the move. Summer is the most preferred relocation season in the American community. But moving in the peak season of the year brings along some challenges.
First, the demand is significantly higher, so the overall relocation expense increases. Moreover, in some cases, you’ll also have to bend your schedule as the hired company may not be available according to your liking.
The weather is also excellent; you get a good house price median. Moreover, the kids are on summer break so they won’t miss out on essential things during the move.
FAQS
1. Can you relocate in winter?
Moving companies are operating in winter as well. However, most people like to relocate under the summer sky due to the uncertainty of weather and road blockages.
2. Why do moving companies charge lower in the off-season?
The overall demand is significantly less, so the companies lower their charges to attract customers looking to relocate in the off-season.
3. Which time of the year in the off-season in moving companies?
The peak moving season begins in April and ends in October. After that, the off-season starts, which extends from October to April. [3]
4. Are summers an excellent time to relocate?
Most Americans prefer the summer break for relocation as the schools are closed, and you can get all the help from your family and friends. Moreover, the longer sunlight hours help get more done in a single day.
References:
[1] https://www.movinglabor.com/blog/when-is-peak-moving-season
[2] https://moversnotshakers.com/2023/02/17/moving-during-peak-season/
